At the famous Bagbazar Sarbojanin Durga Puja Ground in Kolkata, the 37th Industrial India Trade Fair (IITF) was successfully inaugurated by the Bengal National Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BNCCI). The event, which runs until January 1, underscores BNCCI’s dedication to supporting indigenous businesses, bolstering MSMEs, and honoring India’s rich history of trade and craftsmanship.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Dr. Sashi Panja, Hon’ble Minister-in-Charge, Department of Industry, Commerce & Enterprises and Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, Shyamal Kumar Sen, Hon’ble Justice (Retd.) & Former Governor of West Bengal, Bapi Ghosh, Councillor, Ward No. 7, Puja Panja, Councillor, Ward No. 8, Shri Priyal Chowdhury, social worker, Shri Subrata Banerjee, Councillor, Ward No. 10, KMC, Smt Mitali Saha Councillor, Ward No. 9, Shri Samir Kumar Ghosh, Past President BNCCI, Shri Mohon Kumar Gupta, councillor, Mohana Das, T S – Zonal Head of Kolkata Zone, The Federal Bank Ltd, Manoj Kumar Mahapatra, Zonal Sales Head of Kolkata Zone, The Federal Bank Ltd, Arunabha Banerjee, Director, Alliance Broadband.

Dr. Sashi Panja commended BNCCI in her speech for its 138-year history and its independent strategy for planning the Trade Fair without the help of outside organizations. She emphasized the Chamber’s steadfast focus on MSMEs, craftsmen, and local businesses by providing them with access to markets, training, and growth opportunities, highlighting its strong Swadeshi culture. She also urged the people to support the wide variety of stalls throughout the 14-day event. She recognized the cooperative efforts between BNCCI and the State Government in pushing industrial policy and digital projects.

The fair honored the region’s longstanding ties to business and community-driven enterprise. It was held in Bagbazar, one of Kolkata’s oldest neighborhoods, which is well-known for its ancient trading hubs, riverine commerce, and cultural interaction. The location’s history gives it an appropriate setting for a fair honoring business, industry, and custom.

A bustling marketplace fusing business and culture was created by the 37th IITF, which brought together a broad mix of participants from food goods, textiles, handicrafts, clothing, lifestyle products, MSMEs, khadi and handloom producers, craftsmen, innovators, and start-ups.

Prominent brands and institutions at the fair include K.C. Das, Karim’s, Banglar Doi, Haringhata, Aajkal, Sister Nivedita University (SNU), Techno Group of Institutions, Deep Prakasani, Parul Prakasani, Allen, Khadim’s, Alliance Broadband, and Tantuja featured alongside stalls offering jewellery, sarees, handlooms, and other indigenous products.

This edition’s specific emphasis on the Murshidabad district, a historic hub of Bengal’s artisanal brilliance, was one of its main highlights. In addition to showcasing Murshidabad’s well-known handloom and handicraft traditions, the fair represented BNCCI’s ongoing efforts to support district-based businesses and artists from Birbhum, Paschim Medinipur, the 24 Parganas, and other West Bengal regions. Instead of depending on externally managed fairs that are dominated by big brands, BNCCI, which is based on a grassroots approach, intentionally develops venues for artisans, rural industries, and traditional companies. This allows for direct market connections and increased visibility for cultural skills.

The Chamber reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive industrial development rooted in Bengal’s districts, customs, and people by showcasing the work of the West Bengal Khadi & Village Industries Board, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, and a wide range of village-based industries.

BNCCI’s mission of inclusive industrial growth and regional empowerment was reinforced by the passionate participation of industry stakeholders, craftsmen, and visitors during the fair.

Priyanka Dutta